Would you call obstruction?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by WestMichBlue
F5 is straddling 3B awaiting throw, R1 is coming into 3B. Consider the following:

Yes, there is a direct path to the base for R1 to slide into. But -

F5 is dictating the base path by taking away the outside slide,

F5 is not taking anything away from the runner. If the runner choses to go to any part of the bag, they may. It is the fielder who is in jeopardy of violating a rule.

F5 is funneling R1 into her glove,

Your point being? Once again, the runner may take any path they choose

F5 is taking away the space over the bag, thus not allowing R1 to stay upright and possible run through the bag

If there is no play at this base, that is indeed obstruction. Even if there is a play, and the runner chooses a pop-up slide to advance AFTER the ball has gotten away or past F5.

F5 is forcing a slide; if the play is not close, is this the same as a “fake tag?”

No, it's obstruction unless F5 attempts to make a fake tag.

If R1 goes into a slide straight to the bag prior to F5 having possession of the ball, will you call obstruction? You know, of course, that it will be a hard sell!

No, I wouldn't call obstruction unless F5 actually impeded the runners valid attempt to advance to the next base.